End Substance Use Disorder Responds to Conviction of Derek Chauvin for the Murder of George Floyd

Today, a jury found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty for the murder of George Floyd. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement from its president, Erin Schanning:

“The verdict reflects the truth that each of us witnessed as Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, while his fellow officers looked on and failed to take action to save George Floyd’s life. The verdict is one instance of accountability amid countless acts of racism and violence perpetrated against Black, Indigenous, and people of color - most not caught on camera for the world to witness. The verdict does not change the fact that systemic racism permeates our institutions, causing fear and trauma for communities of color. 

“The defense’s attempt to blame George Floyd’s murder on drug use was shameful. The defense’s arguments demonstrate how ill-intentioned actors have designed and used drug policies to target communities of color and have then hidden behind those policies to justify the violence that they have inflicted on Black and brown people who are going about their daily lives. George Floyd’s drug use did not cause his murder - Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck did. George Floyd mattered and he should be alive today.

“George Floyd was a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a partner, a coworker, and a friend. His family carries the deep sorrow and pain of no longer having George present in their lives. The Floyd family has stood with courage to demand that our country respond, not just with platitudes, but with action to deliver the justice, equality, and dignity to Black and brown Americans that is their right.

“End Substance Use Disorder stands with George Floyd’s family in calling for the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. End Substance Use Disorder was founded to ensure that our laws reflect our values of human dignity and equal opportunity. We can fulfill our mission only if we face the realities about race and privilege in our country. We are dedicated to that work.”